What a wonderful book! At its simplest “Finding Dorthy” is the story of Maud Baum, the wife of the author of the Wizard of Oz, and her commitment to making certain the film version is authentic and honors the spirit of her husband. It weaves together the story of the making of the film with the life of Maud and L. Frank Baum. The book creates a picture of L. Frank Baum that is tender and somewhat lost. A man with vision but with little to back his vision, who repeatedly faces failure and disaster but refuses to be destroyed by them. It is his vision, failures, and disasters that are central to the story and to creating the magic of the Wizard of Oz. It is what Maud Baum insists must be captured in the film. Maud’s concern for the authenticity of the film runs deep and encompasses her care and concern for the character of Dorthy and the actress, Judy Garland who plays Dorthy. The book shows us a glimpse behind the curtain of the making of the film not unlike the glimpse we get of the Wizard of Oz when his curtain is drawn back at the end of the film. And while neither glimpse shows the magic they would like us to believe in, it is in a way its own magic. That is the magic that is created not of whimsy and fantasy but rather a magic created by holding on to beauty, love, and goodness throughout a journey that is made of hardship, sadness, and loss. This is where true magic is created. And this is the magic of Baum's’ Wizard of Oz as well as the magic that we experience and come to understand in "Finding Dorthy”. I was privileged to receive a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the Publisher Random House, Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review.

Maud is the widow of Frank Baum, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. When MGM begins creating a movie, she inserts herself into the process, determined to protect Dorothy, and her husband's vision of Oz. Alternating with "present day" the book explores Maud and Frank's relationship and life together.

I really enjoyed this book. Both the present day and past story was fascinating. I particularly enjoyed how the stories wove together. The characters were multi-dimensional and extremely believable. I look forward to reading more from this author.

When I started reading this book, I didn’t really know what to expect but after the first few chapters I became very engaged with Maud’s story. It was so much more than just about The Wizard of Oz, it was about women’s rights, the challenges of being female in the late 1800’s, family relationships and the love between a husband and wife.

Sometimes with historical fiction when the author tries to fit in details that the reader should know it comes off as awkward with a character randomly throwing out information. But the author did an excellent job of seamlessly inserting in-depth details about the filming of the movie. As I was reading, I kept wondering how much of the story was based on true facts or created by the author. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Afterword where the author explained what sections of the book were fiction and those that were backed up by her comprehensive research. I was surprised that the majority of the story was built around facts.

I loved this book and appreciate the opportunity to have early access.

Thank you Netgalley for the free ARC.
If you loved the "Wizard of Oz" movie, then you will appreciate and love this novel about the writing of the book and how it was made into the movie. I liked the relationship between Maude and Judy Garland, her views of the what the emerald city should look like , the "ruby" slippers, the allergies of the first tin man - all the Hollywood lore I had heard about the movie. I also appreciated finding out who L Frank Baum really was and how the book came about. A piece of Americana everybody should read.

I thought this was a nice little story until I read the afterward - it turns out Letts did a great deal of research before writing the book. That means all the things I read about Judy Garland, her mom, the movie industry, and even Clark Gable were true. Instead of telling the story through Mr. Baum's eyes (who wrote Wizard of Oz), we get his wife's viewpoint. She was raised as the women's suffrage movement was taking root and her mom was a strong leader in the effort. Matilda (the mom) passed on her independent thinking to her daughter, Maud - who married Frank (author of Wizard) and their financially poor life with 4 boys. The time period keeps shifting - telling Maud's story as a student, then as a bride, then mother - to "present" day as the movie industry is filming the now famous movie. Maud wants to help make the movie according to her husband's vision.
You admire Maud's courage - even in the 30's as she tries to protect Judy Garland from the sexual predators of Hollywood. She must have been one heck of a strong woman to stand up to society at that time, and to endure all the hardships of her married life.

At first, I thought this book would be about the making of the movie, The Wizard of Oz, and it is about that but so much more. The story jumps between Maud Baum's life and her involvement on the set of the movie fiercely guarding her husband's legacy and the young woman chosen to play the character at the heart of the story, Dorothy. The story of Maud and her warm-hearted, theatrical husband L. Frank Baum brings the WIZARD OF OZ to life. The story parallels their lives, hopes and dreams of a better place just over the rainbow and a little girl who needed rescuing. It is also a story of strong women who weren't afraid to stand up for what they thought was right and to fight for those who couldn't fight on their own, namely a young actress named Judy Garland. The author's research and imagination come through and she has given a powerful voice to the lovely Maud Baum. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

This is a book about a woman behind the man behind the wizard behind the curtain behind one of the greatest stories ever told and one of the greatest movies of all time. Which is to say…this is a book about Maud Baum, the wife of L. Frank Baum, the man who gave us Oz and all adventures therein, forever commemorated in print and cinema. Who doesn’t love the Wizard of Oz? But, like the author of this book herself, I admit to not knowing much about Baums prior to reading this. Well, this book changed all that and it’s a fascinating account. Unlike the disappointment of finding out there’s no actual wizard behind the curtain, Baum very much lives up to one’s idea of what a man with such a striking imagination must have been like. But the novel’s main protagonist is his beloved wife, Maud. A character in her own right, a daughter of a famous women right’s activist, Maud left college (back when just attending one was pretty revolutionary for a young woman) in defiance of her mother to marry the man she loved, a theater producer, writer and actor, a man with grand dreams and a spectacular mustache. The book follows the couple over the two decades and all their challenges and tribulations until finally Frank, after trying his best at so many different careers to provide for his family, writes a story that changes their lives. Years later, Maud finds out about the movie of Oz being made and is determined to get involved to see that the adaptation stays loyal to Frank’s ideas. So it’s a historical novel that spans years, decades, lifetimes really and it’s a fascinating making of feature for the movie too, where behind the scenes ugliness somehow never affected the onscreen beauty. The biographical narrative ends with Wizard of Oz being published, there’s not much on the later years of Frank Baum. The book stays with Maud throughout, even as she attends the movie premiere. So the reader does get a satisfactory well rounded biographical account and, although the author made some adjustments to the details, majority of the account is factual. For historical fiction it works very well, the mores and tones of the bygone days are presented accurately. The characters are lively, engaging, charismatic, all the more interesting for being real. And I loved the way it describes and imagines the various inspirations behind the beloved story. The writing was probably the weakest link, too women’s fiction or something, too Lifetimey, with all the plainness, simplicity and quaintness of language associated with that. So I just told myself it wasn’t a modern choice so much as a desire to stay authentic to the more innocent (at least narratively) times. Which pretty much worked, because I found myself completely engaged with the story and read it almost straight through in two long sittings. It’s possible it was pure proximity that animated this book so much, just by being so closely associated with such a magical story. Somewhere Over the Rainbow remains one of the best songs ever recorded, according to sources considerably more legit that personal opinions. It conveys longing for a brighter world…perfectly. It speaks to a desire so basic, so innate as to be positively universal. My fiancé’s favorite, first one I learned to play and just a lovely, lovely song. And did you know it was almost cut from the movie? Well, now you do and if you read the book you’ll find out so much more. For fans of Oz this book is pure delight. Maybe not in execution per se, but definitely as a narrative. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House/Ballentine for an advance read of this novel.. I was initially drawn in by the thought of learning a bit more about the making of The Wizard of Oz, but weaving the tale with historical fiction was so well done, and I couldn't put it down.. I didn't know much about Frank Baum, and I knew nothing of his wife. This was the story of not only the beloved book, but also of tenacity, following your dreams and the importance of marrying someone who will be supportive of your dreams.

A delightful insight into the story behind the creators of the Wizard of Oz. Though fiction, the novel traces the background of Maud Baum, the wife of L. Frank Baum. Her mission to insure the veracity of her husband's work as it is turned into a film is informative as well as captivating.
Many thanks to Net Gallery for the prepub ebook edition.

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this book! I am a lifelong fan of The Wizard of Oz movie, and know all kinds of little bits of trivia about the filming and the movie itself. This book just adds to the wonder and fun that the movie promotes. The author writes of Maud and her husband with love and rich details. This is a terrific book and I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend reading this.. historical fiction fans will enjoy as well as fans of the Wizard of Oz. Well done!

So many of us know and have been enchanted by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz via the classic MGM movie starring Judy Garland. But here, in Finding Dorothy, Letts introduces us to the man (author) behind the book, behind the movie--L. Frank Baum--and to his wife-his family. It's a story told through his wife Maud's voice--a story of her life, actually -- growing up the daughter of a suffragist/author, being one of the first women to attend Ivy League, meeting Frank Baum and choosing a life of love with him over a college degree. It's not an easy life, but it is a life of adventure, challenges, many moves, and their love. The story begins with Maud as widow, holding her worn copy of Frank's book, and waiting to be let in to the MGM lot to fulfill a promise to Frank to protect his Dorothy. I was taken with Maud's story and re-enchanted with the heart at the heart of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

As a fan of historical fiction, and especially stories that show insight into real historical events, I jumped at the chance to read Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts through Net Galley. It took a bit for me to get into the story, as I felt the events seemed a bit too coincidental. I began to wonder what was based on historical event and what was fictionalized. Maud seemed quite a spunky lady for the times of 1939, demanding her way onto the set of "The Wizard of Oz" movie. But the more I read, the more it made sense, and I began to trust that much of this must be true, or no one would have made this up:)

I really enjoyed the story of how Frank and Maud met and how he came to write the book, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". I knew there were issues and controversy surrounding the making of the movie, but this book provides some insight that. The story of how Judy Garland and Maud Baum actually met and had somewhat of a relationship is fascinating. I appreciated the detailed afterword to explain which parts of the book were based on diaries, letters, and other historical fact, as well as which parts were fictionalized.

This is a very well-written book touching on the themes of women's rights, the treatment of girls and women in show business, sexual harassment, exploitation of children, domestic violence and much more. Who would have thought such heavy themes were behind "The Wizard of Oz?" Yet, Letts makes this an engrossing and fascinating look inside the history of the movie and original book.

I fell in love with this story! It's kind of like the story behind the Wizard of Oz. The story is mostly about Maud, her life and history, and you can see blips and pieces of how her history comes to life in her husband's book. It goes back and forth between 1939, when the movie is being made, and various points in her adolescent and adult life. There is a lot of history to be gleaned in these pages, and the story is beautifully woven together, tying fiction in with historical fact in a way that makes it feel very real!

I love a good historical fiction novel, and this one did not disappoint. I didn't know much about Maud Baum or her husband L Frank Baum, other than he wrote The Wizard of Oz. The best part of any historical fiction novel is, in my opinion, falling down the rabbit hole of internet searching after the story's over in order to find out what was real and what was fabricated. Maud and Frank's story was pretty accurate, as far as I could tell. I really enjoyed this read and definitely recommend it to all movie and historical fiction lovers.

FINDING DOROTHY is one of the most itteresting pieces of historical fiction that I have read in years. Centered around MGMs's filming of The Wizard of Oz, the book's heart is the story of Maud and Frank Baum . As the creator of Oz, Baum built the story of the Emerald City from his dreams for a more magical life---a counter-balance to the constant struggle he and his wife faced in the late 1900's and early 20th Century.

Maud Baum was the daughter of an early woman's rights pioneer. Reared in a household that valued education and self-reliance, Maud dropped out of the University to marry for love. The book is a testament to the strength of the Baum's relationship, but it is also a social history of the women's right's movement in its early days. It also pays homage to the sacrifice and strength it takes to stay true to yourself in a marriage, and in life.

The novel is really Maud Baum's story, but her husband comes alive in the pages as a vivacious, forward-thinking dreamer. And, he is totally captivating. Maud is more grounded (and less lovable), but the chapters where she terrorizes the MGM executive suite in an effort to protect Judy Garland are wonderful.

There is a lot to like in this book:
. . . . the back-story of Oz is interesting;
. . . . the biographical information on the Baum's is worth reading;
. . . . the insight into Judy Garland's "star turn" is fun to read about; but
. . . . the best part of the book is its heart, and its optimism.

Netgalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.

I read this book in less than one day as I was unable to put it down! It definitely seem that Elizabeth Letts did her homework on the lives of Maud and L. Frank Baum. While some things may be up to more interpretation by some, that's what makes it historical fiction. However, like I always do when reading these types of books I just had to look up their lives on my own and she was right on the money when it came to the most important facts.

I loved that not only did the book tell about their lives through their relationship leading up to Mr. Baum writing "The Wizard of Oz" but also how we had insight to an elderly Maud on the set during the making of the movie. It was all so - dare I say -- magical the way she went back and forth. I found myself in tears a few times, some happy some just a little sad but it was a magnificent book. My eldest daughter, now 17, has been a fan of "The Wizard of Oz" since she was oldest enough to ask for her own pair of "No Place Like Home Shoes". Today we had a talks about this book and about the facts of the Baums. I am 100% recommending she read this book and may even exchange it out for one of her other senior year readings (as a homeschooling Mom, I can do this). Not just because of her love for the source material but for the parallels we are seeing with women's issues today and back then. Yes, this book also showcases how much has changed for women but then again how little has changed for us.

I may just be still emotional after reading it. Did I mention I loved this book? Thank you so much for the chance to read it! It is on my recommendation list and my list of books I must have on my physical bookshelf some day.

This is Maud’s story, the woman behind the wiz behind the Wizard of Oz! After her husband, Frank L. Baum, passed away, it was Maud’s goal to see that the Wizard of Oz was brought to the big screen in a way that would honor his vision. Hollywood was in its infancy at the time and the star of the movie, Judy Garland, wasn’t much older. This book switches back and forth between Maud’s early life and the time after Frank’s death when his book was being readied for the big screen. A wonderful blend of fact and fiction, this tale is told in a way to keep your attention and to take you back to a time when life was simple and over the rainbow was just a dream away. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this great book.

I really enjoyed this book. The author obviously did a lot of research and it shows. However, the imagining of what life was for Frank and Maud Baum really shone. They had such an interesting and not easy life, but throughout they remained true to each other and their family. Maud actually seeing the movie being made, meeting the actors and her protectiveness of Judy Garland was so interesting.

This is a wonderful and creative book in which to learn a little bit about the life of L. Frank and Maud Baum. Written from historical documents, but embellished by the author, this is a delightful story for fans of THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ. I especially enjoyed reading about the actors and behind the scenes events from the making of the movie.

You couldn't make this stuff up. Author Elizabeth Letts say a photo of Judy Garland on the set of "The Wizard of Oz" with Maud Baum, the widow of Oz author L. Frank Baum. What was that about? she must have wondered, and the result is a fascinating novel that readers will love.

Maud Gage was born during the Civil War and raised by her progressive family to value education for women and be headstrong. Her parents--her mother was the suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage--sent her to a boy's school and then to Cornell, one of the first women to attend. but Maude left college before graduating when she met Frank Baum, who had his own theater company and traveled the country. Frank was not a terribly practical man, but he had a kindness and whimsy that won everyone over.

Having heeded her mother and making sure she had her own money, widowed Maud is living in Hollywood when she hears that Frank's first Oz book is being made into a movie. The Oz stories were hugely popular and she feels an obligation to make sure the story is true to Frank's vision, especially the character of Dorothy. Maud may be elderly but she has lost none of her determination to see things done right. She befriends Judy Garland--who she feels is much to old to play Dorothy, who's about six in the books--but for whom she feels a great affinity. Was Maud's influence felt in the final version? And who was the inspiration for Dorothy?

Although the Hollywood scenes are wonderful and filled with peaks into a movie nearly everyone knows and loves, the scenes of the Baum's life in a Dakota boom town are some of the best in the book. Her characterization of Frank Baum captures his joyful humor and work ethic. How wonderful that he was able to strike the happy mean where he could express his delight in the world and support his large family.

Letts' first two books were non-fiction and with "Finding Dorothy" she proves herself to be as equally skilled in weaving stories around people as she was around horses. This book is a treat. ENjoy!